Page 268 - The Rifles Bugle Autumn 2019

3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI)
2018 was another exciting and challenging year for 3 PPCLI. During the calendar year, the Battalion took part in exercises and opera- tions in Edmonton, Nordegg, Wainwright, British Columbia, Germany and the United States. As always, the soldiers were well prepared and ready for all the challenges that this year brought. Of particular note, in June, the Battalion welcomed a new Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Adam Moore who assumed command from the outgoing Lieuten- ant-Colonel Derek Prohar. In fine Third Battalion fashion, the Change of Command scrolls were delivered by Warrant Officer Jimmy Martin and Master Corporal Chris Mills who conducted a freefall jump onto the parade square.
There were a number of firsts this year to include the introduction of the Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) Force Employment Concept (FEC) by the Canadian Army. This model generated much thought and discussion on the methods, training, tactics and procedures needed to enable the Battalion to insert and operate in unique and austere environments.
This year also saw us welcome back the Assault Pioneer Platoon and Direct Fire Support Platoon. The Direct Fire Support Platoon employs three main weapon systems: the M2 Browning .50 calibre Heavy Machine Gun (HMG), the C16 Automatic Grenade Launcher System (AGLS) and the Tube-Launched Optically Engaged Wireless Command Link Guided Missile Weapon (TOW). With the addition of these new elements, the Third Battalion will continue to grow and improve our fighting capabilities.
In the spring, 3 PPCLI deployed to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Washington State for Exercise SPARTAN HOPLON, a light force patrolling exercise. The scenario was meant to test the Light Force, FEC and our readiness to deploy rapidly into an area of operations with limited notice and supporting resources. The purpose of the exercise was to prove that light forces can not only fight but thrive in a dispersed context behind enemy lines.
Alpha Company deployed to JBLM as